F EATURE SIMON CLAISSE
Simon with the late former Cheltenham Chairman Lord Vestey
Simon lets out a sigh of relief, exasperation and almost disbelief as he recalls the weeks and months in the build-up to a once-in-a-lifetime Cheltenham Festival. “The creation and operation of the Irish bubble was a huge task, and not something we had a blueprint for that we could follow. We couldn’t have done that without the whole team, and working closely with HRI, the BHA, and of course all the participants. It was certainly a memorable build-up for my final Festival, one which ranks right up there with the best of them, thanks to Henry de Bromhead and Rachael Blackmore’s record-breaking triumphs.” As well as being in charge of all things racing at Cheltenham, and for The Jockey Club South West courses, Simon has been a firm favourite with the media. Often seen in the early morning slot with the now ‘famous’ Going video on social media, or heard on talkSPORT with Rupert Bell, Simon is a key part of the many trips across the Irish sea on media visits to Willie Mullins, Jessica Harrington and, of course, the odd visit to Punchestown Racecourse for ‘market research’. The mark of Simon is continued support and
appreciation of his team. “I have always said I could not do this job without the brilliant racing team and the support of other colleagues across the business. More recently with Ben Hastie and the grounds team, I have complete faith and trust in them, from Ben and the grounds team to John Morrison our long-standing Stable Manager who, to many who visit, is the face of the racecourse. And, of course, Victoria Bowen-Jones who manages to keep us all in line and organised along with her Owners’ liaison team. Together with the medical and veterinary teams and a host of others, too many to mention by name, everything works like clockwork and it wouldn’t be possible to put a raceday on – we really are a team and that is something I will miss.” Simon Claisse has been an asset to The Jockey Club and horse racing for over three decades and will be hugely missed by his colleagues, racing’s participants and racegoers. It is the end of an iconic era and we all wish Simon the very best for his next adventure. After over 20 years at Cheltenham, it is Claisse closed.
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